PIAN UPE WILDLIFE RESERVE

 Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve-Discover the Untamed Beauty

Origin of the Name

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve gets its name from the local cultures of Northeastern Uganda—Pian from the Karamojong and Upe from the Pokot people. The term “Pian Upe” translates to “friendly enemy,” symbolizing a unique relationship between these nomadic pastoralist communities. While they unite against common enemies, they also occasionally clash and rustle cattle from each other, adding a rich cultural backdrop to the reserve’s story.

Location & Size

Located in the Karamoja sub-region of Northeastern Uganda, Pian Upe spans an impressive 2,788 square kilometers, making it the second-largest protected area in Uganda after Murchison Falls National Park. Its vast landscapes are characterized by sweeping savanna plains, rugged hills, and breathtaking wildlife encounters.

Historical Background

Originally gazetted as the Debasien Animal Sanctuary in 1958, the reserve was later expanded northward in 1964 and renamed Pian Upe Game Reserve. Over the years, it has evolved into one of Uganda’s most treasured wildlife destinations, still relatively untouched and pristine.

Unique Landscapes & Vegetation

Pian Upe is a haven of untamed savanna grasslands interspersed with woodland patches, rocky outcrops (kopjes), and riverine forests. The reserve is home to tree species such as red and white-barked acacia, desert date, bush willows, and Harrisonia abyssinica, alongside shrubs like butterfly pea and the woolly caper bush.

Wildlife in Pian Upe

Pian Upe offers an incredible diversity of wildlife rarely seen elsewhere in Uganda. This includes:

• Cheetahs – among the few places in Uganda where they can be seen.

• Roan Antelope – Uganda’s only remaining population.

• Zebras, Buffalo, Giraffes, and Elands

• Lions, Leopards, and Hyenas

• Hartebeests, Topis, Oribis, Dik-diks, and Jackals

• Primates – including olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and patas monkeys

• Reptiles – like rock pythons, puff adders, water snakes, and a wide array of lizards, agamas, chameleons, and geckos

Over 44 mammal species and 242 bird species call Pian Upe home, making it a must-visit for wildlife lovers and birders alike.

Bird-Watching Paradise

Bird enthusiasts will find Pian Upe a dream destination, especially at Loporokocho Swamp, which shelters rare and regionally endemic birds like:

• Ostrich – one of the few places to spot them in Uganda

• Great Hartlaub’s Bustard

• White-Headed Buffalo Weaver

• Jackson’s Hornbill

How to Get to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Pian Upe is easily accessible via the Mbale–Nakapiripirit–Moroto road, located about 90 km from Mbale and just 11 km north of the reserve’s northern boundary. The main entry point is near Chepsukunya Trading Centre, and the drive takes approximately 2 hours from Mbale.

Entry Fees (Subject to Change):

• Foreign Non-Residents: $10

• Foreign Residents: $5

• East African Citizens: UGX 2,500

• Guided Nature Walks:

  • Foreign Non-Residents: $30

  • Foreign Residents: $15

  • East Africans: UGX 10,000

Accommodation in Pian Upe

While still developing, Pian Upe offers 4 basic bandas and modest lodging options near the reserve headquarters for overnight stays. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil wilderness atmosphere and fall asleep to the sounds of nature.

Looking for more comfort? Our Outback Adventure Safaris team can arrange stays in nearby lodges or campsites depending on your preferences and itinerary.

Conservation Challenges

Despite protection by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Pian Upe faces challenges from cross-border cattle encroachment and illegal poaching, particularly from neighboring Kenya. These threats affect the reserve’s delicate ecosystem and wildlife populations. Community-based conservation and responsible tourism are key to its long-term survival.

Plan the Perfect Trip: 4-Day Pian Upe Wildlife Safari

Experience Uganda’s raw, wild spirit on a four-day Pian Upe safari. Combine this adventure with visits to Kidepo Valley National Park or Mount Elgon National Park for an extended exploration of Uganda’s hidden gems.

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Why Choose Outback Adventure Safaris?

We specialize in off-the-beaten-path adventures that bring you face-to-face with East Africa’s most remarkable landscapes and wildlife. Whether you’re after rare birds, thrilling wildlife encounters, or cultural immersion, our Pian Upe tours promise the journey of a lifetime.

✨ Book Your Pian Upe Safari Today!

Let us craft your unforgettable journey into Uganda’s wild northeast.